I am spending a weekend in Paris in August with my boyfriend [it is a birthday surprise for him!]. I have booked us into the Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain [5th arrondissement] and we arrive by Eurostar late on the Friday. We have 2 full days in Paris - what should be try and see?
We are both 29 and have not been to Paris since we were teenagers. I know l would definitely like to see the Eiffel Tower - is day or night better? Also can we walk there?
What else should we try and see? We like museums [though one or two is plenty], nice architecture, parks and French food! l also recall enjoying the Centre Pompidou when l last went. Is it feasible to walk to all these places or should we get the metro? I am happy doing either l just figure if we can walk then we will as can see more of the city. Also is a boat trip worth doing?
Any advice most appreciated!
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It would be quite a hike by foot to the Eiffel Tower (4.5 km) from your hotel, but Bus #87 goes right past your hotel and ends at the Eiffel Tower. That%26#39;s probably your best bet because you%26#39;re above ground too!
Train from your hotel is easy too: walk to St. Michel (5 min) then take RER to Champs de Mars / Tour Eiffel
Day vs. night is subjective. Totally different sights. Watching from afar at night is fantastic. I recommend Pont Alexandre for a great view (Metro to Champs Elysees Clemenceau and walk toward the river).
Walk to the Centre Pompidou from your hotel is about 20 minutes... Cross into Ile de la Cite and walk around the back of Notre Dame, cross the river, pass the Hotel de Ville, and another couple blocks from there. That%26#39;s a lovely walk for sure, but the #47 bus picks up a few meters from your hotel and follows the exact same route.
J
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Brilliant, so walking if the sun is out and if not easy enough to hop on a bus. Except to the Eiffel Tower of course, think that is a little far!
Just looked up Pont Alexandre and it sounds lovely...
Thanks a lot!
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A fun idea is the 2CV tour
http://www.4roues-sous-1parapluie.com/
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How are you planning to get to your hotel from Gare De Nord?
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We have been to Paris at least 5 times in the last 7 years. We have stayed all over the city (including near where you are staying) and we have NEVER taken any public transportation. This is one of the most walkable cities in the world and you really get the %26quot;feel%26quot; of the city by walking it. It is also great exercise for walking off the foie gras.
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I agree w/the member from San Diego. Paris is by far the most walkable city I%26#39;ve ever been in, and we%26#39;ve taken the Metro only when we were going outside of the city. In fact, we%26#39;ve walked farther than we probably should%26#39;ve, and were dead on our feet, cause there%26#39;s just so much to see, feast your eyes on, and there%26#39;s always a cafe to stop for a cafe creme, or something cold, etc. To go the distances you%26#39;ve mentioned, unless you have foot issues, I%26#39;d definitely walk--surprises around every corner!
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Really pleased to hear all this, l am all for walking. I live in London so have spend plenty enough time on the sticky tube!
Is it easy to navigate though? I mean can l get a free tourist map somewhere or should l buy one before l go? I assume the main attractions are signposted anyway?
Suzanne - we are going to get the RER from Gare Du Nord to Notre Dame [6 minutes] then walk [7 minutes] - l looked on the RATP website and there was a great journey planner on there with a map and all =)
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